Clinical Trial: Use of Procalcitonin in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Evaluation of Procalcitonin as a Diagnostic Tool for Patients With Pleural Effusion

Brief Summary: Among several markers of inflammation and sepsis, procalcitonin (PCT) markers is being studied to investigate their accuracy for the diagnosis of bacterial infections. PCT is the prehormone of calcitonin, which is normally secreted by the C cells of the thyroid in response to hypercalcemia; under these normal conditions, negligible serumPCT concentrations are detected. The mechanism proposed for PCT production after inflammation and its role are still not completely known. It is believed that PCT is produced by the liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, modulated by lipopolysaccharides and sepsis-related cytokines. It binds to polysaccharides in pathogens, activating the classical complement pathway. The reported diagnostic accuracy of PCT for the diagnosis of bacterial infections has varied across studies.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital

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Information By: National Taiwan University Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: September 12, 2005
Date Started: March 2005
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 12, 2005
Last Verified: March 2005